Gender-Based Analysis Research and Capacity Officer

Dalhousie University is a comprehensive, post-secondary educational institution with a broad mandate to serve Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and the nation through activities that integrate research, scholarship, teaching and service. Founded as a non-denominational institution in 1818 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie is one of the country's leading teaching and research universities in Canada. Dalhousie is the largest university in Maritime Canada and provides over 15,800 students with a first-class university education in more than 180 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. In addition to arts, social science, science, management and computer science degree programs, the university provides professional and specialized training in a variety of health professions, medicine, dentistry, architecture, engineering and law. Dalhousie is committed to the principle of internationalization and actively participates in many international activities. In 1987, Dalhousie established Lester Pearson International as the administrative arm responsible for overseeing the conduct and administration of all of the university's international projects. In addition, LPI also coordinates a development education program; disseminates international information; serves as the International Liaison Office (ILO) for the university; facilitates international agreements of cooperation; and hosts international officials.

Project Description:
The Gender-Based Analysis Research and Capacity Officers at all three
regional offices of SAHARA (Southern Africa - Cape Town, South Africa; West
Africa - Dakar, Senegal; East and Central Africa - Kisumu, Kenya) will support
SAHARA in realizing their mandate to incorporate gender into all levels of
their organization's work. This includes: building capacity to integrate GBA
into all research proposals, activities, analysis and reporting; facilitating
gender equality in hiring and training decisions within the organization; and
the development of gender mainstreaming policies within their organization.
Furthermore, the interns will assist researchers to disseminate research
findings and knowledge translation to ensure the uptake of new knowledge into
policy and programming spheres.
SAHARA is committed to multi-site and multi-country social and behavioural
research on HIV/AIDS. They are currently developing their five year plan and
have a organizational mandate to ensure their research reflects the gendered
dimensions of the epidemic. The interns will work with SAHARA's regional
directors and research coordinators to help fulfill this mandate.
The South African-based intern will also assist with the data analysis and
dissemination of findings from the 2008 South African National HIV/AIDS
Prevalence, Incidence and Behavioural Survey (SABSSM III). This household
survey is being held up as a model for accurate measurement of HIV incidence
and prevalence and may be replicated in neighbouring countries as resources
become available.

Overseas Job Description:
The intern will assist in the analysis of SABSSM III using a gender-based
analytical lens. This will involve statistical analysis, literature review, and
the writing of academic articles.
The intern will facilitate the use of gender-based analysis throughout the
data-collection stage of a study on male circumcision, which is currently being
implemented.
The intern will assist region SAHARA staff to employ a gender-based
analytical lens to data-collection on other research projects as they arise,
and will assist with funding proposals as required.

Qualifications:
The intern will have a background in women's issues, gender health, and/or
HIV/AIDS. Solid research and analytical skills will be considered essential,
and previous experience in Africa will be considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to culturally diverse situations will also be
advantageous. Given the high level of research competency required for this
internship, a postgraduate degree will be extremely beneficial to the
successful applicant.